Orlando - Tiger Woods' bid to regain the world number one ranking will have to wait a day after violent thunderstorms hit the Bay Hill Club, halting the final round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational on Sunday.
After assessing damage done by the powerful storm the PGA Tour announced the final round would resume on Monday at 10am EDT (14h00 GMT).
Woods had rolled in an 11-foot birdie putt on the second hole to open up a three-shot cushion when warning horns were sounded to evacuate the course, sending spectators and players running for cover.
Heavy rains and violent winds soon followed, ripping branches from trees, cutting off power and turning Bay Hill into one massive water hazard.
“We didn't get in much,” said Woods. “We in got two holes and hopefully the course will be drained and we can get after it tomorrow.”
The 14-time major winner can reclaim the number one world ranking from Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy with a victory at Bay Hill, where he has won seven times previously.
The PGA Tour has been plagued by weather woes this season.
Torrey Pines was forced to a Monday finish because of fog while high winds pushed the Tournament of Champions in Hawaii to a Tuesday conclusion.
“At least we got a little activity in today, so we're not completely stagnant,” said Woods. “We've dealt with this before.
“We had that fog delay in San Diego, and this is part of playing outside. We've got to deal with conditions like this.” - Reuters